As Coronado heads into election season, here are some important dates and information that everyone should know about the upcoming local political event.
The election is Nov. 5 for Mayor of Coronado and two Coronado City Council members. All three of these positions are for the full term, which is four years long.
So far, three current council members are running to replace Mayor Richard Bailey — Mike Donovan, John Duncan and Casey Tanaka.
There will be two open seats on the City Council.
For voters, the last day to register to vote in the November election is Oct. 21, and there are voter registration forms at the city clerk’s office or through sdvote.com.
The polls will be open between the hours of 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. on election day. There will be ballot drop boxes in the city once election day gets closer.
Every active registered voter in San Diego County will receive a ballot in the mail the week of Oct. 6, according to the Registrar of Voters.
Starting Oct. 8, voters will be able to drop off their ballot at any official ballot drop box located in Coronado or around the county.
Early in-person voting starts Oct. 7 and is available at the Registrar’s office Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Select voting centers will open countywide starting Oct. 26 and after Nov. 2, more than 200 voting centers will be open to vote from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
All voting centers will be open on Nov. 5 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Nov. 5 is the final day to vote.
The voting center on Coronado will be determined by the city at a later date, according to City Clerk Kelsea Holian.
Candidate information
The candidate filing period for mayor and city council seats opened July 15 and will end Aug. 9 at 5 p.m.
Candidates must be a citizen of the United States, a resident of Coronado and a registered voter in Coronado.
Prospective candidates must put out a petition for their nomination and obtain at least 20 valid signatures of resident voters to qualify for the ballot. They may collect up to a maximum of 30 signatures.
Qualification for running is based on the verification of valid signatures by the Registrar of Voters, according to Holian.
Those running for local office in Coronado should know that the city has enacted a local ordinance that contains stricter campaign requirements than the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) in some areas, according to the city’s financial disclosure information. For example, the ordinance prohibits cash contributions and strictly limits cash expenditures by candidates or campaigns.
The FPPC is an independent, non-partisan commission in California that plays a crucial role in regulating political activities and promoting transparency in government.
Contributions
To start receiving contributions, candidates must file their Candidate Intention form (Form 501) and then open a campaign bank account. Once $200 is raised or spent, the candidates must get an identification number by filing Form 410 with the Secretary of State. Candidates may not spend more than $100 in cash.
Those running are not allowed to accept cash contributions. Coronado only allows contributions to be made by check or credit card, and there must be photocopies of each check or credit card receipt for every reportable contribution. These documents are required to be kept for one year after the date of the election.
Contributions are also not allowed to exceed $200 from a single source, but there is no limit on a candidate’s personal fund contributions to their campaign. They must report any personal fund contributions totaling $1,000 or more in the aggregate that they make in the last 90 days before an election.
Spouses are considered separate individuals for purposes of the contribution limitations.
Contractors with the city are not allowed to make any contributions to a city council candidate. Municipal contractors include those who furnish material, supplies or equipment to the city. They also include those who sell or lease land or buildings to the city. Contractors may not make contributions anonymously or under an assumed name, or on behalf of another person.
For contributions of $5 or more, including in-kind contributions, candidates must disclose the contributor’s name, address, occupation and employer, or principal place of business if self-employed.
Contributions can come in the form of check or credit card, loans and in-kind contributions.
Candidates must not use contributions or campaign funds for anything other than political, legislative or governmental purposes.
If anyone knowingly or willfully violates any of the rules stated in Coronado’s Campaign Regulations, they are guilty of a misdemeanor.
Special counsel
At least 90 days before the election, the current city council members will appoint a special counsel for that election.
The special counsel can be one of the following: the district attorney, the attorney general, another qualified and independent special counsel or a combination of the above options.
The special counsel will have investigative authority as is necessary and will be allowed access to records of campaign contribution and expenditures of any person. If records are not produced, the special counsel has the legal authority to initiate civil litigation to compel the production of these documents.
